Issued by: Ministry for Safety and Security
MEDIA STATEMENT BY MR SYDNEY MUFAMADI, MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUED IN PRETORIA ON 11 DECEMBER 1996.
While many South Africans will be spending the next few weeks on holiday with families and friends, members of the South African Police Services will be on duty to ensure that we can enjoy the festive season in an atmosphere of safety and security.
The task of the police is a difficult one. My appeal to the public is that each one of us should go out of our way during the holiday period to make the job of the police easier by supporting and assisting them.
1996 has been the year in which, for the first time in many years, the police have come to grips with crime. While crime levels remain unacceptably high, recent statistics show a definite stabilisation and even reduction in a number of serious crime categories. This is an achievement for which I wish to congratulate our police men and police women.
A substantial part of these successes was the result of co-operation by members of the community. For this, the community must be commended as well.
The year 1997 will be a testing year for the police. Our communities have high expectations. I am confident that the police are ready to face these challenges.
I wish to extend my best wishes to every member of the police and wish them and their families a happy festive season and a peaceful new year.